Inter Miami Makes MLS History With Draw Against Palmeiras in FIFA Club World Cup
Late Drama as History Is Made: Inter Miami and Palmeiras Draw at Club World Cup
No one watching at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23 could have missed the significance of what played out for Inter Miami. In a match that crackled with tension and shifted wildly in the final minutes, both Inter Miami and Palmeiras grabbed what they needed—a ticket to the round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup. What’s bigger, though? Inter Miami became the first-ever MLS club to break through the group stage, and they did it in style.
The Florida crowd barely had time to settle before Tadeo Allende put Inter Miami ahead with a cool finish, sparking energy that rippled through the stadium. But the real fireworks belonged to Luis Suárez. At 65 minutes, he showed fans why his name still carries so much weight, skipping past defenders and netting a classic solo goal—reminding everyone of his legendary instincts. Fans were almost ready to party.
Palmeiras, though—the reigning Brazilian champs—weren’t giving up. They pressed forward, desperate for the single point that would confirm top spot in Group A. Paulinho broke Miami’s resistance with 10 minutes left, pouncing on a rebound. Then came the dagger: Maurício equalized in the 87th, flipping the script, at least for a few minutes, and turning the game into a rollercoaster for everyone in the stands.
Group Stage Glory and What’s Next
For Inter Miami, this draw wasn't just two goals apiece—it was proof of growth on the biggest stage outside domestic play. Five points from three matches put them firmly in the knockout rounds. The squad had to dig deep after Palmeiras’ late flurry, showing the kind of steel not typically associated with MLS teams in international club tournaments.
The headlines naturally went to Suárez, whose craft and hustle led Miami’s charge all night. There was something contagious about his drive, lifting teammates and rattling Palmeiras’ defenders more than once. Miami, not just passengers anymore, showed they can spar with South America’s elite and leave a mark.
Palmeiras’ comeback meant they finished first in Group A, with enough quality on display to suggest they won’t be easy outs later in the tournament. Both Paulinho and Maurício made the difference when it mattered most, capitalizing on Miami’s tired legs. Yet, for Palmeiras, the draw was business-like—the next phase could bring even fiercer battles, but they survived the group without ever truly slipping up.
Now, with the draw in the books, Miami faces Group A’s top seed Paris Saint-Germain on June 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It’s a monster matchup—MLS upstarts versus the kings of Ligue 1, with all eyes trained on how Suárez and company stack up against some of Europe’s best. The sense of possibility is real; you can feel the anticipation in Miami and beyond.
This year’s Club World Cup has already seen its share of surprise. But for one group of fans, the idea of their club brushing shoulders with global giants is suddenly less fantasy, more reality. And that alone makes the 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Palmeiras more than just a result—it’s a milestone that raised the ceiling for a whole league.